One of the reasons I ran away from active duty was the abject horror of idiots making continua mistakes that kill people. At least in the Reserves, It was alot easier as we were never called up and coud retire in peace ;(

It's good to see when important people travel in Iraq thier vehices have radio jammers which to a great degree inhibit Improvised Explosive devices. Yet our troops' vehicles (tactical, not combat vehicle) do not have these devices. they cost about $10K each (about the same as it is to process a dead soldier)...

Grunts (GI or USMC) have no lobby presence in Washington to get the dollars needed to protect them... These troops won't sponsor the Preseidental Inaguration.

Lobbyists for Grumann, Boeing and McDonnel Douglas have assured that the Republican government divert troop saving material to the rat hole reagan pie in the sky star wars (which failed another test last week.)

There are too many damn people who think its patriotic to slap a piece of crap "support our troops" yellow ribbon on the back of theie car and think, "there, I've done my part to support the troops" when they should be complaining to congress about how troop support funds are cut while fat cat defense compainies get rich. only by raising a stink will the troops get what they deserve...

merry christmas to all.

__________________
71 220D 169K wrecked
83 240D 118K sweet 4 speed
91 350SDL (one of the 60% good engines) 156K
84 300d (loaner to my sister) 189K
79 300SD (partswagen)
86 420SEL partswagen
70 220d (partswagen)
68 280s GASSER!!! under construction now
85 300sd 310K miles winter beater car retired
93 300d 2.5 turbo 168K wife's car
83 280SL euro 5 speed 155K
69 250S newest project 54K

I am guessing that the jammer you mention would probably not be a difficult project for a hardcore amateur radio enthusiast.

I bet you are right, for a moderately effective one the bill might be only $1000.

__________________
'83 240D with 617.952 and 2.88
'01 VW Beetle TDI
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD
'89 Toyota 4x4, needs 2L-T
'78 280Z with L28ET - 12.86@110
Oil Burner Kartel #35

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1...oD/bioclip.jpg

Your cowardice may have been the best thing you could have done. Personally, I would hate to know that you were backing me up in a firefight.

Retire in peace, and Merry Christmas to you, too.

Well put Cap'n I would not like to spend a night in a fox hole with him.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I totally agree with you guys. the only ones who should be fighting and paying for the War in Iraq is people who only agree with you. The rest should be barred from the foxholes and of course, not required to pay for your efforts. It's the Republican Party's War, and the rest of us simply "don't get it". Nothing would make me happier than seeing all you guys sharing foxholes in Iraq, and picking up your own tab for this abortion.

Agreed. Let these armchair tough guys put their ass on the line then talk tough.

__________________
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!

...um, lots of Dems voted for this abomination too. It's more like a Washington establishment war. I don't want to see anyone in a foxhole, even when they exercise poor judgment and hubris, just don't ask me to pay for your folly.

The Democrats who voted for this war are no longer supported by the party base, whose wishes were totally ignored when the Wimp Faction led by Daschle caved to the Republicans out of fear they would be on the wrong side of the politcal winds. Kerry's continual mixed messages on Iraq cost him dearly - I myself became totallly disenchanted with the guy the day he said he would vote for the Iraq War even given what we know today. The Democrat's inabilty to show resolve based on leftist principles on the issues has cost them more than their stands on the issues themselves.

The results of this realignment will not be clear until the fight over the new party chairman is settled in March. If Dean wins, then the actual heart and soul of the Democratic Party will be running things instead of the corporate hacks represented by the DLC. If it doesn't work out that way, a lot of Dems are going to be headed for the exits.

"There are too many damn people who think its patriotic to slap a piece of crap "support our troops" yellow ribbon on the back of theie car and think, "there, I've done my part to support the troops" when they should be complaining to congress about how troop support funds are cut while fat cat defense compainies get rich. only by raising a stink will the troops get what they deserve..."

I think the people who have donated to the troops deserve more respect than that. I also agree with you that congress should get it together or for God sakes vote these criminals out of office. Tom Daschule was a good start now for the rest. The new rule should be any prior political experience over 2 years disqualifies the candidate. Vote people in with proven good moral standing and conscience, souround them with competent people, ban lobbying and watch the more important things get done.

"At least in the Reserves, It was alot easier as we were never called up and coud retire in peace "

Why even bother with elections? We'll just use your criteria, pick them all from The Party, and everything will be ok while the fascists decide everything for the rest of us. Yellow riboon, swastika, its all the same.

We really need more of these moral, upright Republican lawmakers:

Rowland pleads guilty to corruption
Thursday, December 23, 2004 Posted: 12:53 PM EST (1753 GMT)

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (AP) -- Former Republican Gov. John G. Rowland, driven from office by a corruption scandal, pleaded guilty Thursday to a single federal charge that carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.

After reaching a deal with prosecutors, Rowland pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal honest service, a felony that also carries a possible $250,000 fine.

The plea deal ends the two-year-long investigation into corruption in the administration of Rowland, who resigned July 1 after 9 1/2 years in office. Rowland's lawyer, William F. Dow III, acknowledged the former governor was "the recipient of certain gratuities."

Prosecutors told the judge that Rowland accepted $107,000 worth of vacations, work on his cottage and free flights from state contractors and others.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nora Dannahey said the single charge also involves a conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.

U.S. District Judge Peter Dorsey advised Rowland that as a convicted felon he would not be able to vote or hold public office.

"There was an effort being made to deprive Connecticut citizens of the honest services of its officials," Dorsey said.

Federal guidelines call for a sentence of 15 to 21 months in prison, the lawyers involved said. Sentencing was set for March. In addition to the possible sentence and fine, prosecutors said he could be forced to pay more than $35,000 to the IRS in unpaid taxes and interest.

"Obviously mistakes have been made throughout the last few years, and I accept responsibility for those," Rowland told reporters after entering the plea. "But I also ask the people of this state to appreciate and understand what we have tried to do over the past 25 years in public service."

The written plea agreement does not require Rowland to testify against others.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who took office after Rowland stepped down, said she felt "deep personal disappointment."

"While we knew that this day might come, we were never really prepared for the reality of it. Today the state of Connecticut was humiliated, and I, as John Rowland's former running mate and colleague, feel personally betrayed. When I first heard the news, I felt like I was punched in the gut."

Rowland, 47, was once one of the GOP's rising stars. He became engulfed in scandal in December 2003 when he admitted accepting renovations at his lakeside cottage -- including a hot tub and new heating system from employees and state contractors -- and lying about it. Other gifts and favors soon came to light.

Rowland resigned amid legislative hearings that threatened to lead to his impeachment. Rell will fill the remainder of his term, which expires after the November 2006 elections.

In September, Rowland's former co-chief of staff and a major state construction contractor pleaded not guilty to charges they ran a criminal organization from the governor's office, trading contracts for gold coins, expensive meals and limousine trips.

A 15-count indictment accused former co-chief of staff Peter N. Ellef, his son Peter Ellef II and contractor William Tomasso of conspiring to steer state contracts from 1997 to 2003.

For months, Rowland has insisted he never did anything in exchange for the gifts. But the drumbeat of allegations sent his approval ratings plummeting and led to demands for his resignation from both Democrats and Republicans.

Rowland received cigars, champagne, a canoe and free or discounted vacations from employees and friends -- including some with state contracts. The FBI was even looking into whether Rowland skimmed money from low-stakes poker games he hosted.

One longtime friend, a state contractor, bought the governor's Washington condominium at an inflated price through a straw buyer.

During the committee hearings, the governor's lawyers criticized the investigation, arguing that the 10-member panel never set any standards for impeachment. Rowland fought a subpoena to testify on the grounds it violated the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches. He announced his resignation days after the state Supreme Court ruled he could be compelled to appear before the committee.

The committee ended its investigation without deciding whether the governor had done anything that warranted impeachment.

To those who would never spend a night in a foxhole with me should learn to read. I was Not in the the infantry. I was in Maintenance and later military intelligence (oxymoron, if there ever was one) for 27 years. Cowardice. Hardly, it was after years of watching BOGSATs of no use (directives made up of Bunch Of Generals Sitting Around Tables) and it turns into a FUBAR. Not enough armor, using tactical vehicles for combat supply missions--if that isn't derelection of duty of the supply brigade commander, I don't know what is... Then this: currently there is, according to ABC, not FAUX news (who would never broadcast it) a MAJ in the transportation corps in jail for stripping junk vehicles to armor their tactical vehicles, so she could assure her troops of a safe mission running gauntlets in guerilla held territory. Is this the real story?? What gives??? Now,more planes are used for supply (shades of Dien Bien Phu)as the roads are unsafe. Hell, they don't even control the road from Bagdad to the Airport.

Today's NYT speaks that there was no Phase IV (pertaining to after the shooting war plans) in force. THe whole administration from CIC Bush down to Central COmmander GEN Abadiz should be relieaved and courtmartialed for ineptitude, stupidity and dereliction of duty to say the least.

BYI, I have two relatives in Iraq, and worry about them all the time, One USMC, 1 USAR...

__________________
71 220D 169K wrecked
83 240D 118K sweet 4 speed
91 350SDL (one of the 60% good engines) 156K
84 300d (loaner to my sister) 189K
79 300SD (partswagen)
86 420SEL partswagen
70 220d (partswagen)
68 280s GASSER!!! under construction now
85 300sd 310K miles winter beater car retired
93 300d 2.5 turbo 168K wife's car
83 280SL euro 5 speed 155K
69 250S newest project 54K

You must've had yer fingers crossed when they administered the oath!

ran away is a figure of speech, duh. I served, bush had his fingers crossed. still does.

__________________
71 220D 169K wrecked
83 240D 118K sweet 4 speed
91 350SDL (one of the 60% good engines) 156K
84 300d (loaner to my sister) 189K
79 300SD (partswagen)
86 420SEL partswagen
70 220d (partswagen)
68 280s GASSER!!! under construction now
85 300sd 310K miles winter beater car retired
93 300d 2.5 turbo 168K wife's car
83 280SL euro 5 speed 155K
69 250S newest project 54K